$22,000
The Great Leon (Leon Levy). The Great Leon’s Mummy Case. Great Britain, ca. 1915. Faux sarcophagus used in the professional music hall and vaudeville performances of Leon Levy, known to the public as The Great Leon. Elaborately decorated mummy case was most likely used as the production of a performer and as a place of repose for a levitation effect, as indicated by its construction, which cleverly conceals an entry point for a support bar or “gooseneck.” Purchased from the famous crypt of Louis Davenport & Co. of England by Charles Reynolds. Reynolds used this illusion as the striking background set piece for one of his most popular professional photographs, as seen here. Showing considerable wear and chipping to finish from years of use and display, but with the individual Egyptian scenes that cover the sides and rear of the case still showing remarkable detail and vibrant color. Overall good condition for a remarkable, colorful piece of magic history. Accompanied by a wooden and fabric frame decorated to match the sarcophagus, and possibly used for the production of Leon or an assistant from the interior of the case, or for shipping the illusion. This prop was among those purchased from The Great Leon by Les Levante in 1937. From Levante it passed to Lewis Davenport & Co. of London, and then to Charles and Regina Reynolds.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2012-10-27
